South Korea's military deployments and economic incentives
An increasingly mercantile approach to the use of force raises questions on the blind acceptance of South Korea as a reliable alliance partner
English language commentary on South Korea emphasizes its role as a middle power strategic actor and reliable alliance partner. Like Australia, Canada, Sweden and Norway, it is assumed that South Korea supports the U.S-led international order, global governance and rule of law - values.
Reflecting these assumptions, we’d expect South Korea to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. South Korea has to date limited its support to non-lethal aid despite increased Russia - North Korea cooperation.
A closer look at South Korea’s military involvement in international conflicts demonstrates that participation stems not from values; or even a combination of strategic alliances and geopolitical interests; but rather predominantly from economic incentives. In five instances of South Korea’s decisions to deploy or withhold armed forces abroad—Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, the UAE, and Ukraine—the underlying motivation that influenced each choice was economic incentives.
South Vietnam. The deploy…